Like many other reviewers, I agonized over which rug to buy from which vendor. Never had jute but sisal has held up well for me and I almost bought another but decided on this rug instead. It is not sisal... It is a thick, well braided, soft , great rug made of Jute. My husband had received it earlier in the day and it was in my family room when I got home. What a great looking rug. I cannot believe I paid just under $300 for it with free shipping. No odors, no shedding and the shades of natural fibers are high end. Do not hesitate to get this rug.